KEVIN NOLAN believes the “losing feeling” after the 2-2 draw at Barnsley demonstrates just how high the standards have been set this season at Newcastle United.

Toon players headed for their Christmas bash in Dublin in reasonable spirits after the four-goal clash at Oakwell, but the journey across the Irish Sea was tinged with some regrets after United let their one-goal lead slip with just three minutes on the clock.

Nevertheless, United are still 10 points clear of an automatic promotion slot, and even victory for West Brom against Queens Park Rangers tonight will still see them hold a five-point cushion at the top of the pile after game 20 of the Championship.

Nolan – who bagged his 10th of the season at Oakwell – told the Chronicle: “This feels a bit more like a loss, with them scoring late on. We were disappointed in the end to concede a goal, but I thought Barnsley played really well.

“They were one of the best sides we’ve played away from home this season.

“I think it was quite an entertaining game in that respect.”

The 7,000 fans that travelled from Tyneside certainly made Oakwell feel like St James’ Park, with the visiting support blowing away the home fans throughout.

And Nolan reflected: “It’s unbelievable – I don’t think I’ve had a home following like that, apart from St James’, let alone an away one.

“It’s just a big thank you – they’ve been absolutely fantastic again.

“They were brilliant throughout the game, even at the end with the way they stayed behind.

“Unless you’re there and you see it, it’s just unbelievable.

“We just thank them for being behind us.

“It’s been a bit of a tricky time for them as well as us, but with them behind us, we can get back into the Premier League.

“I feel that now we’re going in the same direction, and hopefully that can continue throughout the season, as we need them.”

Nolan says he was thrilled to make his return to the team by continuing his scoring run.

He said: “I was really gutted about missing the Coventry game, but delighted with the result, it was great to see the lads get that win.”

However, he was less than happy with what he feels were two points dropped against the Tykes, and when asked if the result was a fair one given Barnsley’s second-half dominance, he said: “Not really, not when we were three minutes away from winning 2-1, but I think I’m a bit biased!

“I you asked them, they’ll think that it was. We probably could have made the game a little bit easier for ourselves, but we didn’t, and we’ve got to learn from our mistakes.”